Barely 24 hours after the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, swore in 23 caretaker chairmen, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission said it had begun the process of conducting local government elections in the state.
This was conveyed to newsmen in a public notice signed by the Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.) on Wednesday night.
The state governor while swearing in caretaker committee chairmen for the 23 LG council, stated that their tenure will not be long because, the local government election will be held soon.
Fubara stated, “Let me also sound it very clear here that your tenures are not going to be too long because, as a matter of fact, before the end of today (Wednesday) or tomorrow (Thursday), there should be a process for the commencement of elective local government chairmen in our dear state.”
Already the tenure of the elected chairmen and councillors of the 23 local government areas of the state expired Monday, 17th.
The Chairman of the Commission, in the notice, called on all political parties and stakeholders to attend a meeting fixed for next month, July 1st, 2024, at the RSIEC Headquarters along Aba Road in Port Harcourt by 10 am.
He disclosed that the meeting would unveil the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in the State.
Enebeli also added that all leaders of all registered political parties, traditional Rulers, security agencies as well religious organizations and the media are invited.
The notice reads, “The Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Adolphus Enebell, hereby invites: Leaders of all registered Political Parties, Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies, Religious Organizations, The Media, Professional Organizations, Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations Community Based Groups and the Electorate to a general stakeholders meeting on Monday, 1s July 2024 at the RSIEC Headquarters, 239-243 Aba Road, Port Harcourt by 10.00 am prompt.
“The highlight of the meeting will be the unveiling of the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Government Elections in the State. All concerned should be seated at the RSIEC Auditorium by 09:45 am,please.”